Plough Monday Celebrations & Whittlesea Straw Bear

Event details:The first Monday after the twelve days of Christmas (Twelfth Night) is Plough Monday, a day when ploughmen traditionally blackened their faces and wore white shirts.

It was the day when village life in many agricultural areas in East Anglia focused on the dragging of a decorated plough by bands of young men who would knock on doors and ask for money, food and drink. They were usually accompanied by someone acting the Fool.

Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival - Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

The Straw Bear is an ancient custom that was revived in 1980 & the procession now contains over 250 dancers, musicians and performers from various parts of the British Isles performing traditional ´Molly´, ´Morris´, ´Clog´ and ´Sword. There is also American style ´Appalachian´ dancing, street performances and Mummers plays.

Other celebrations include Mepal Molly and Friends at the Three Pickerels at Mepal, CB6 2AR on Monday the 12th January. Final dance spot at the end of the day long tour of Fenland villages in celebration of Plough Monday. Molly Dancing followed by a music session. Musicians are welcome to this unique event in the Fenland calendar. (Ring 01353 666441 for details)

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